India enter the Asia Cup in the UAE on the back of some dispiriting performances. They were expected to win a majority of the games during their recent tour of the UK but suffered a chastening setback in the ODI series before being crushed 4-1 in the Tests.
Many members of the Asia Cup squad played both the Test and ODI series and apart from being low on morale, must be exhausted after playing on and off for three straight months.
India will be without captain Virat Kohli who is being rested ahead of a busy season. That means the men in blue will be without their best batsman and ODI lynchpin. That should be music to the ears of opposition players.
Here we take a look at how the Indian team stacks up.
COACH – RAVI SHASTRI
Kohli and Shastri.
The 56-year-old be under pressure after his plans fell flat in England. He can’t run away from the fact the management made some blunders in selection and preparation. No room for mistakes.
CAPTAIN – ROHIT SHARMA
With Kohli not there, needs to not only set the tone with the bat but also rally the troops. His most high-pressure assignment. The team is in a sensitive position and needs astute leadership.
STAR MAN – KULDEEP YADAV
Kuldeep Yadav.
The wickets in UAE should help the left-arm wrist spinner really showcase his skills. Most players in the tournament haven’t faced him and in a short clash like this, can prove critical.
ONE TO WATCH – KHALEEL AHMED
One of the most exciting left-arm quick bowlers to emerge in India after many years. Has pace, control and can move the ball. Has a long way to go but the basic ingredients are top class.
STRENGTHS – EXPERIENCE
MS Dhoni
Even without Virat, this team has loads of experience. MS Dhoni has played more than 500 internationals. A major chunk of the squad has been around for years and played major tournaments.
WEAKNESS – RECENT SETBACKS
It has not been a good few months. India lost the England ODI series and were thrashed in the Tests. Many team members played both series. Scars of those defeats will be carried to the UAE.
PREDICTION – FINAL
The Indian team has enough quality to beat most challengers in this tournament. They should make it to the final as they have a balanced line-up. But they lack the ability to finish things off.
FULL SQUAD
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Khaleel Ahmed
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 18
15:30 India v Hong Kong, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Wednesday, September 19
15:30 India v Pakistan, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
